Lucinda Williams: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

She came to the Tiny Desk a little unsure, and left singing "West Memphis" with intensity and passion. Lucinda Williams has a voice like no other, and it shines in these intimate moments.
Williams is on a roll with a new double album, Down Where The Spirit Meets The Bone, which is filled with fresh and beautiful songs - all this from a songwriter known for working at a deliberate pace. Hearing her perform these new songs with her brilliant band was a rare and exciting treat. -- BOB BOILEN
Set List
" Something Wicked This Way Comes"
" Cold Day In Hell"
" Protection"
" West Memphis"
Credits
Producers: Bob Boilen, Maggie Starbard; Audio Engineer: Kevin Wait; Videographers: Colin Marshall, Maggie Starbard; Assistant Producer: Susan Hale Thomas; photo by Susan Hale Thomas/NPR

[@reelincoln7747]

She is simply astonishing The band is superb too

[@LorenzoUlloa]

Protection, what a song!

[@shawnclare-nb1up]

Just north of fantastic!

[@dkjazzz]

There’s just nobody like Lucinda, such an old soul ❤️

[@debg70525]

Southern Soul... Blues... Humble Pie ....Get it girl!

[@bezzarguy]

The beloved Lucinda, a true American treasure. "Car Wheels" is still one of the best albums ever.

[@petedako]

I like the new double album way more than Car Wheels, I'd say it's her best yet. She's done a lot of really great songs and albums before and since that one in fact ~ Lucinda's songwriting and singing just gets better and better

[@bezzarguy]

Pete Dako "Car Wheels" is like her Sgt. Peppers. I'm going to have to sit down and give this new a good listen.

[@sliider1]

I like Little Honey

[@THX-vb8yz]

Yes she is.....

[@zannpaci]

Stuart Mathis! Damn tone and playing. Lovely band too of course.

[@cityzenjane2]

lucinda is a national treasure...

[@fartknocker8363]

Chunky Style....cool tag.

[@laurelzein1]

yes she sure is

[@lucindarosemond7882]

Thanks lol

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Amen to that

[@johndeschenes8369]

What a great version of West Memphis!

[@Maskofanarchy1]

nobody else sounds like this. Lucinda is one of of a kind.

[@double00spy]

Love Lucinda, and that band is absolutely killer. Stuart Mathis is one of the best guitarists out there.

[@starrguitargoddess]

I've seen her in concert,over the decades, with four different guitarists. I am a big fan of Doug Pettibone and was sad when he left but Stuart is a great fit. Yes, great band !

[@tejedadude]

I love the down and dirty lifers that just bleed music and the road! Bless you Lucinda, perfect!

[@curtsantner2517]

She sings from the deepest corners of her soul. Incredible.

[@johnsoho2238]

curt santner She writes, plays, and sings from the deepest corner of her soul. A singular manifestation of the soul.

[@curtsantner2517]

I have never experienced a singer/songwriter like Lucinda in 57 years of listening to music. I would love to see her perform in person but she does not make it out to Wyoming at all. It's like a door opens and you can see right into her heart when she performs. Amazing gift for words and music.

[@mattchurchify]

@@curtsantner2517 Saw her once at a small-ish outdoor show in Indiana. She's quite the performer. Really owns the stage.

[@doloresrohn4699]

This band loves this woman! True friendship and adoration amongst this group of players. Mutual respect both ways, beautiful.

[@plumbawl5977]

Absolute truth and talent with "never stall' talents has a new meaning! Respectfully, to the 3 and to those 3 innocent 8 year old boys that deserve justice!

[@dkjazzz]

There is no one quite like Lucinda, so good! She opens her mouth and pure magic come out. And what a band!

[@dkjazzz]

Yes she always pics the best players

[@ireneruthfox]

Lucinda always has top-shelf musicians. These Boys Rock. Nice sound.

[@MrBlahdiblahdi]

Tom Howland yes they are, they are like assassins or something

[@dkjazzz]

OMG yes !

[@sallybowles2781]

her voice is quite different from her young years, but it has like an extra layer of beauty and meaning

[@gratefuled2012]

Hey NPR - how in the world could you leave out the names of the band? For shame... Stuart Mathis - guitar David Sutton - bass Butch Norton - drums These guys are amazing & invaluable to the sound that Lucinda achieves here. It's inexcusable to leave their names out of the description - especially when you've taken the time to include your production staff. Don't you understand how google and youtube searches work?

[@annamarie1764]

+Ed Forgotson Thank you Ed. I noticed it right away!

[@bryanmannoia7561]

+Ed Forgotson thanks, i was wondering who they were, too. fantastic band, especially the guitar player.

[@scottjones4195]

+Ed Forgotson Did you watch the entire concert? The band members are the first ones mentioned in the credits after Memphis.

[@ycarns1942]

+Ed Forgotson Kudos, Ed! Lu's band is amazing and deserve the recognition. I've seen this grouping live and they just blow you away. Stuart Mathis is one of the finest rock n roll guitarists around, in my humble opinion. It was great to hear him on the harp as well.Can't wait to see everyone again at the OLD TOWN SCHOOL in Chicago in April.

[@strumbadstroller7350]

Hadn't heard Stuart play before............WOWZAS!!!

[@wolfgangwylde5889]

Ended up here after watching Lucinda and My Uncle Charlie Louvin doing some tunes together. Love the vintage budget guitar and bass on Something wicked..

[@buddythornton9449]

I Need Protection is a killer tune. Lucinda gets back to the basics: bass, drums, guitar plus her unique vocal style and song writing.

[@blackiederke5588]

Buick 6 is the name of her band and they are great! Buy the new album and support them!

[@bikovandeijck5869]

9:41 favorite moment. Lucinda's joy when she hears that insane groove Stuart lays down.

[@randyvanvliet226]

Absolutely love Stuart Mathis on guitar here, with David Sutton on bass, and Butch in the pocket. This is why we go see artists play live. Nothing else out there like it that captures all the components of a live show.

[@garyturner1463]

I am not sure i believe what i just heard. I am thinking of adjectives; bad ass, cool, terrific, awesome, mind blowing, etc,etc,etc. That may be the best 'sound' ever. That band was unbelievably so tight, so good and so spot on. Not sure how it could get any better. Lucinda, Stuart, Butch and David, thank you.

[@arlenesheffield1136]

They are down to earth and real. Besides super talented.

[@reelincoln7747]

Amazing

[@idabusti5631]

Seeing her in Milan in four days' time for the beginning of her European tour. No better way to start a new year. Can't wait.

[@rollmeoverintheclover5398]

Getting better with age like Jones, Cash, and Willie did.

[@seancaceres619]

This concert jas the vest versions of all of her somhs and the sound is unmatched.

[@judyhobson8182]

I saw Lucinda and band play in Brisbane, an outdoor concert with a raging storm filling the skies. I love Lucinda's gritty vocals, incredible songwriting and her shy yet don't give a hoot attitude. The band, holy smokes, one of the tightest sounds I have ever had the privilege of listening to, it was an incredible concert. Come back down under when all this sh*t is over Lucinda.

[@johnzuggster6718]

Marry me Lucinda,cause I love you so much, what a great band you always run with. I really enjoy your concerts, drove 200 miles to See what you brought and walked away with a big smile, keep it up please.

[@robertbudney654]

I feel the same way. .girls like anyone who sings or plays an instrument. But I'm sorry there's something special about her for sure

[@whalemoth]

Good God, that bass playing is just incredible.

[@lucindawilliams5091]

Hello.. please I would love to know you more better than this, can you kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you.. thank you

[@starrguitargoddess]

He and Butch lock into that groove ! I just love their chemistry.

[@robertbudney654]

She always has top shelf musicians

[@blueyhills]

Lucinda + Buick 6. Made in heaven.

[@liamgallagherrr]

Wonderful guitar playing

[@albertopick3585]

Thank you Lucinda for putting my lost soul back into my locked down body! We are aged one week apart!

[@patchworkgirl2982]

Just standing there, pouring it out. And it's good stuff indeed.

[@richardhardy4243]

She and her amazing band never disappoint.....best album I've ever listened to is Lucinda Live at The Fillmore. I wore that album out.

[@sweetjane5033]

Lu is best artist !! her songs give me chills and I can so relate to her. her songs bring me up & down ! it’s life ! it’s hers & mine. she gifted the songs to me. thank you Lu!!!!!❤

[@MrRajay2U]

Wow she's a treat, and that Buick 6 is firing on all cylinders

[@lucindawilliams5091]

Hello.. please I would love to know you more better than this, can you kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you.. thank you

[@Steenhollowind]

Lucinda is simply put........ AMAZING!!!!! What a tight band sweet stuff!!!

[@lisellote4101]

Daniel ich danke dir für alle diese wunderbare Musik welche du uns allen zum Geschenk machst

[@idaho2ndgens240]

Saw Lucinda in Atlanta many years ago and was blown away with the passion and powerful delivery. Awesome performer.

[@vidbox44]

I've never seen her perform. What a treat!

[@1965DPJ]

If you get the chance to see her I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!!!! I saw her a couple years ago for the first time, and it was a fantastic show! I will see her for the second time in two days. YES!!!

[@lawrencebabineaux1843]

This is Live, no dubbing, no re-takes, Greatness!!

[@lucindawilliams5091]

Hello.. please I would love to know you more better than this, can you kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you.. thank you

[@ewoe21]

I love me some Lucinda Williams. ❤️

[@jumpskirt]

Lucinda always has such great musicians, and the guitarists she selects have so much finesse.

[@pedrobarbieri5039]

Amazing, have been watching performance every day for the past 2 weeks. Amazing musicians and superb singer, she is doing more than just singing she is interpreting these songs.

[@JBCo2012]

Lucinda is the BEST! And she always has the best musicians on hand. Thank you for sharing! Peace

[@mikescourby]

She is fabulous. I can not wait to see her in Brooklyn next month. Love you Lucy.

[@lucindawilliams5091]

Hello.. please I would love to know you more better than this, can you kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you.. thank you

[@piterprajs]

Four passionate musicians sharing their energy... This is so beautiful to hear and see! Thank you! :)

[@christophercasey6775]

Guess what? The crowd delivers

[@bobbybob2573]

Lucinda you're a precious priceless gem...

[@funwithFred]

Love her. And always has the best musicians, and what a great songwriter.......

[@Crashoverall]

Absolutely fantastic. A genius

[@MrBothandNether]

Wow. I think I got lost in a deep pocket...... Love that Teisco!

[@adriaticseaeyes]

Y’all I am here the day Hurricane Laura is about to lay waste to Lucinda’s Lake Charles... and still getting CHILLS and heart flutters from this stellar performance from Stuart, Butch and David with her!!! Good Lord the nuances and precision the band had with one another is rare ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@josephrzeczycki8642]

Great band. I'm especially impressed with the lead guitarist. He's a true professional.

[@bobbybob2573]

I've been back to this Small Desk concert with Lucinda Williams an unbelievable amount of times. Stellar performance by an Aquarian Angel. .... and Small Desk delivers BIG SOUND and great performances by many artists.

[@lucindawilliams5091]

Hello.. please I would love to know you more better than this, can you kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you.. thank you

[@stepitupandgo67]

great guitar playing on top of everything else...

[@bigtoelittlefinger6133]

Cheers otis gubbs fur putting me on this class man

[@drope-wx5ho]

very good Lucinda the best for me

[@wallysmomable]

seeing her tonight in Nashville.....again....love ya,Lu....killer band ! Peace to the WM3 !

[@youkyouk7471]

J'écoute souvent Car wheels on a gravel road ....quel Chef d' Oeuvre ! Merci pour cette video, les guitaristes sont Uniques !

[@thomasrottenbucher9098]

Ed, you´re completely right.......what a graet band!!

[@susangreifer2320]

She transcends all description--real real real

[@briancattani5109]

Love Stuart's guitar playing!!!!!!!

[@MrPaco0112]

Such good work from this Album - Be very Proud Lucinda !

[@hpsmitty7591]

Gawd she's good! Such a jewel. All the heartache without the horseshit! Pure Joy to listen to, every time. She's got every right to be proud, and I hope she is. (The band isn't bad, either. )

[@reelincoln7747]

Love her

[@jodyharlan2768]

Lucinda is awesome.

[@DocJJohnson]

Greatness and Sublime

[@ericlewis77]

We love Lucinda Williams! Absolutely!

[@Bigsinglecoils]

Perfect chemistry between these four. Can't stop watching- awesome!

[@billsnickfish8711]

Sound louder

[@reelincoln7747]

Beautiful performance

[@charlottec9995]

I am a longtime fan of Lucinda and just recently discovered this gem. It got into my brain and heart; it's a new favorite for me. I love the whole set! Lucinda Williams is awesome, and I just love that grin she gets after a song! Love you, Lu!

[@DPSingh-px4xu]

This girl is all that...

[@sallybowles2781]

great writer and poet too

[@Zathauntie]

Human heart served raw xoxo

[@akumwalling]

This is just awesome

[@lisasherman6413]

Love her so much!! So much passion!

[@user-cb9fp3us5d]

Awesome little gig

[@JinaGillis-Rosencrans]

What a beautiful heartfelt singer Ms Lucinda is and her band is better than a hot buttered honeyed biscut on a cold morning. Jina Gillis-Rosencrans

[@MsKnowgirl]

Flawless performance. She's my all time fav.

[@adriaticseaeyes]

And yes David, Stuart and Butch are A- MAAAAZZIINGGG!!! the icing on the cake

[@michelbourrachot678]

sublime,la classe totale..

[@soldtobediers]

Protection... What a wonderfully "Marvered Anthem" to be within constant prayer with. Thank's Lucinda & NPR till your both better paid by all those promised things yet seen & heard. -gilpin 121516

[@lucindawilliams5091]

Hello.. please I would love to know you more better than this, can you kindly drop me your hangout just to get in touch with you.. thank you

[@happyday1240]

Lucinda sounds better than ever. Lovin it.

[@tomtheplummer7322]

My dearest. We both rode hard and put away wet❤💪😎🙏🏻 Gave all my black leather jackets away

[@StevieStirrup]

Man the band kick as$!!! Great sound

[@gailremp8389]

Yum. Really needed this tonight.

[@jessemoraga7991]

I love your music Lucinda❤

[@TamiJWildeMusic]

What an incredible songwriter , artist and these musicians That guitar player Stuart top frickin notch loved this footage thnks

[@SuhrMartin]

Great performance! Sounds so good.

[@braziltango6295]

My feelings like go back to old school. I very happy to know there still have some musicians like this band going on this style.

[@sbingham1979]

Love her! great band!

[@rongould112]

What a vibe. Man....

[@GenevieveRainey]

Gorgeous!

[@ericgillot6387]

Dans un fond de bibliothèque, Lucinda parvient à faire des miracles, avec un groupe au son net et sans fioritures !

[@laurelzein1]

Lucinda darling, YOU ARE ONE OF THE BEST EVER I love ya, rock on, this is a badass session if there ever was one, got me chair dancing:)

[@charliemcleod764]

Brawsome! Beautiful guitars too.

[@stillbillful]

saw them perform in Oxford, Mississippi..last Friday Night.......sublime!

[@Cosmogirl014]

Sweet sweet sweet Lu! Great choices!

[@peopleunite3605]

Something Wicked. That was HOT! Loving Luuuuuucinda.

[@randallkurzman2577]

Beautiful collaboration! Such genuine soulful music with great musicianship and singing so tightly together. Transcends their venue: could be anywhere on earth or heaven

[@dremaallen50]

Ive been n love for 20 yrs wth lucinda her music goes over me like hot sex